Doping is a lot like speeding, there's obviously a combination of risk/reward balancing and arrogance about not being caught involved. But like speeding, when you're captured on photo radar there's only so many technical arguments you can try before you just have to pay the fine (or surrender your license).

I think I heard on the CBC news today that even if the UCI tried to give the win to the first non doper in those years that it's all the way down to something like 22nd place.

If they could, I would say go for it. However, they can't because of statute of limitations in the WADA code and various local legal systems that are relevant to this case. In this Armstrong case, USADA also gave reasons and supporting legal precedent explaining why the SOL could be extended back for their case and sanction to encompass all of his TdF wins, rather than only 2004/2005 which were the only years within the standard 8 year SOL.

Two other (former) TdF winners have also been stripped of their titles, in the years since Armstrong won his last in 2005. Winners of the Vuelta and Giro have also been stripped. I'm glad Armstrong is no longer immune, and will have his titles stripped in the same way.

Originally Posted by Biggie

LOL.

The "Big Mig" also had positive tests destroyed. I wonder when he will be persecuted for decades and stripped of his Tours and Giros?

If they could, I would say go for it. However, they can't because of statute of limitations in the WADA code and various local legal systems that are relevant to this case. In this Armstrong case, USADA also gave reasons and supporting legal precedent explaining why the SOL could be extended back for their case and sanction to encompass all of his TdF wins, rather than only 2004/2005 which were the only years within the standard 8 year SOL.

The legal theory isn't that the SOL was extended - rather the act of conspiring to dope was a continuous act commencing in 1998 and continuting through to 2010 (or thereabouts) and the SOL only started as of the time the conspiracy ended. In my view, this is a sound legal theory. The UCI were ***** in their written response saying WADA should appeal - either that or legal subtleties are completely lost on them. Maybe that's why they think (allegedly) accepting bribe money is just a good way to sponsor their ongoing activities.

Happy though that justice is finally being done. Next up: we look into getting new leadership for the UCI. Dick Pound for President.

The legal theory isn't that the SOL was extended - rather the act of conspiring to dope was a continuous act commencing in 1998 and continuting through to 2010 (or thereabouts) and the SOL only started as of the time the conspiracy ended.

I defer to your more proper legal explanation in place of my layperson's version - thanks.

Originally Posted by smarty

The UCI were ***** in their written response saying WADA should appeal - either that or legal subtleties are completely lost on them. Maybe that's why they think (allegedly) accepting bribe money is just a good way to sponsor their ongoing activities.

Happy though that justice is finally being done. Next up: we look into getting new leadership for the UCI.

McQuaid's statement left no stones unturned in trying to shift the responsibility from the UCI to every other party involved. I found it to be quite pathetic.

Originally Posted by smarty

Dick Pound for President.

I'm not sure if I'd go for Dick Pound as UCI president (could do a lot worse, but could probably also do better), but he was certainly on the mark - in a very outspoken way - during his tenure as head of WADA on all the Armstrong issues. He was vilified at the time for it by the Armstrong PR machine that was running on all cylinders, influencing public opinion on the matter quite effectively.

i'll tell you - this is going to be hard on him. but he took a gamble on this one and lost... he could have done much better had he owned up to his cheat...

he looked much less arrogant on TV yesterday, when he said "i've been better, but i've been much worse..."

Yeah? I thought he sounded like a bad politician, a scripted speech, which, I suppose it was, as he was giving a rally/pep talk to those riding. Still it struck me as a missed opportunity to say something of substance, in front of a supportive crowd, understanding that whatever he said, would have been replayed around the world.

I think they should hire an ex-doper as the next President. David Millar for prez!

Bad idea as to me your promoting from within. It would appear as business as usual. Best to go seek someone younger with fresh ideas who has no connection to the UCI.

But the reality is while this all looks good it will really do very little to improve the public perception of road racing. But that would require trying to get the media to show it in a different light.